COMMON COUNCIL Minutes 06-25-1997CITY OF MUSKEG0
JOINT MEETING OF COMMON COUNCIL, LIBRARY BOARD AND MAYOR'S TASK FORCE
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD JUNE 25, 1997
The meeting was called to order at 7:50 P.M. by Mayor De Angelis.
Council members present were Aldermen D'Acquisto, Patterson, Pionek,
Salentine, Sanders, Slocomb and Woodard and Clerk-Treasurer Marenda.
Library Board members present were Christenson, Jankowski, Merz,
Stewart, Rammer and Carter(a1so building committee chairman),
Hudzinski(bui1ding committee) and Director Sanhuber. Mayor's Task
Force Members present were Pinkowski, Jensen, Zangerle (Ald. Pionek
and Salentine) and Director Sadowski.
Clerk-Treasurer Marenda reported the meeting was noticed in
accordance with the Open Meeting Law.
Mayor stated purpose of meeting was to discuss next step in the
expansion of the existing library facility or new facility, and if
new facility the location of the facility. Mayor present history of
previous discussions. He stated there have been suggestions made of
combining a community center space with the public library, with the
basement being the community center with a separate entrance. The
City Hall site and downtown area have been discussed.
Library Director Sanhuber stated the original request was for a
31,549 sq. ft. library on the city campus, all on one floor with full
basement. The current request is substantially the same.
Building Committee Chairman Carter stated he agreed with the location
by the architect. He felt pressure was being put on aldermen to
of the library on the city hall site, which was the site recommended
retain festival on grounds, and he would question the city buying
center, he said as long as it was not connected to the library and
land when land is available at this site. Regarding the community
the library was not expected to maintain it, he was in favor of it.
He felt the festival should be moved to a larger and safer location.
He noted building costs have increased substantially since the first
proposal to the city. He also expressed concern that the library
size not be reduced.
Mayor reported approximately $25,000 remains for architect fees for
exploratory and pre-construction work.
Ald. D'Acquisto felt some of the comments made are misstated. The
community festival has not interfered in the decision-making on this
project. We have to be prudent in our decision. No discussion has
been held on reducing the size. He added that even though the
library sees this as a high-priority item, other departments feel
their issues are a priority and we have to consider all requests.
Ald. Pionek distributed a conceptual plan for a combined
library/civic center. Ald. D'Acquisto stated he and Ald. Pionek have
Janesville Rd. The plan calls for the purchase of the property with
looked at a site east of the new medical clinic being built on
the rear. The plan shows a 40,000 sq. ft. library and 20,000 sq. ft.
two parcels to be sold along Janesville Rd. with the library built to
work well with one level as a library and one level as a civic center
civic center with no basement. Ald. Pionek stated this parcel would
built on two levels.
in exposed basement. Size could be reduced to 30,000 sq. ft. if
(Approved)
Minutes of Joint Council, Task Force, Library Board Meeting
June 25, 1997 Page 2
Ald. D'Acquisto stated the sale of the two lots could subsidize the
available for future expansion on this site. Mayor felt that Lot 1
cost, and would allow city hall and police department additional land
on the plan would have to be a detention pond. Ald. Pionek felt that
an alternative would be for the city to enlarge the ponds at the
being discussed by the Stormwater Management Committee.
condos instead and get away from all these little ponds, and that is
Mr. Carter asked what opposition is to putting it near city hall.
The architect felt there was sufficient land for the library plus
stated a SEWRPC report a number of years ago recommended this area
future expansion of the police station and city hall. Ald. Pionek
space. Mr. Carter stated there's also a previous plan showing this
for a park, and why put a building on it and then search for park
area as the civic center with a library.
Mr. Christenson expressed concern with only 150 parking spaces at
proposed site for a combined library and civic center. Mr. Carter
said there's also a question of security and another reason for
preferring this site because of the location of the police station.
Holly also noted city services use the library and the library uses
city services. She felt there was a convenience to having city
employees in one area. Mr. Christenson said they were hung up on
preferring this site, but if it goes downtown they'd be happy with
the 30,000 sq. ft. building. He asked if the cost of purchasing land
would reduce the funds available for the library and the indication
from the Mayor and aldermen was it would not.
Mayor felt a 30,000 sq. ft. library and next to nothing additional
cost for basement would provide a civic center which civic groups
events, dances, banquets, etc. with one end open with windows. Mr.
could raise money to improve. Civic center could be used for large
Carter commented on the different load requirements for libraries.
He also asked if separate referendums were needed for the purchase of
the land and construction.
Mayor stated no referendum is required by statutes. It is up to the
Council. Discussion has been with the Council they would not take
this issue to a referendum.
Mr. Rammer asked what could be done to lots 1 and 2 to guard against
the ebb and flow of the business community and create a positive
appearance at entrance? He felt this plan meets a lot of needs. He
asked that the Plan Commission be cautious in its approval for lots 1
D'Acquisto noted some comfort can be taken from the "Downtown Design
and 2 since it will be the driveway to our city image. Ald.
Guide".
Mr. Carter commented the plan has appeal. Mayor said we're trying to
is what made the Parkland Mall idea attractive. We still lack a
focus on bringing people back into the center of our community. That
centralized focus in our community.
Ald. Salentine said the reason we don't feel the need for another
referendum is the people spoke approximately 6,000 to 2,000 in favor
of building a library at Parkland Mall - people were in favor of the
downtown area for location of the library. 9.
0
Minutes of Joint Council, Task Force, Library Board Meeting
June 25, 1997 Page 3
Ald. Pionek noted the plan itself is conceptual and adjustments can
be made. A survey taken in District 3 provided positive comments for
a library at Parkland Mall.
called a recess to allow the Library Board to discuss. After recess,
In order to provide some direction on how to proceed, the Mayor
the Library Board reported a motion was made in support of the plan
of locating the library in the downtown area as presented by Ald.
D'Acquisto and Ald. Pionek.
Mayor stated the timeline would now be for him to discuss this
determine how to proceed with possible acquisition. Provided there
location with the architect, then the Finance Committee will have to
Mr. Carter asked if for some reason the downtown site failed to
is no referendum called for, construction could start in May, 1998.
materialize would the city hall site be selected. Mayor responded we
could be designing a facility for the city hall site since there are
no sites suitable.
Ald. D'Acquisto thanked all members of the Library Board and hoped
good open dialogue can continue during the project. Mr. Christenson
stated they would do everything they can to help get it done.
Ald. Patterson asked about additional access to the site and what
type of commitments on front two lots. Mayor noted there is a
cross-access agreement to Parkland Dr. The Mayor said he, the
Finance Director and attorney will need to go over certain issues,
cost, discussion with architect and presentation to Finance Committee
the second meeting in July.
Ald. D'Acquisto moved to adjourn at 9:57 P.M. Ald. Sanders seconded,
motion carried.
Respectfully submitted, ? K .h+-"
n K. Marenda, CMC
erk-Treasurer
jm
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